Expanded volume less lethal ball type projectile

Abstract

A close range munition for firing from a bore of a weapon. The munition includes a spherical projectile having a central core and a plurality of uniformly radially extending resilient filaments defining an outer diameter. The outer diameter of the projectile is greater than the diameter of the firing bore so as to compress the filament within the bore.

1. A less-lethal shot gun round comprising:
 a generally elongate tubular hull having a forward end and an opposed rearward end; 
 a base enclosing said rearward end of said hull; 
 a propellant contained within said base; 
 a wad sealably positioned in said hull adjacent said rearward end; and 
 a projectile carried in said hull, said projectile being a generally spherical member having a central solid spherical core and a plurality of uniformly radially extending resilient filaments defining an outer diameter, said diameter being greater than the inner diameter of said tubular hull, said projectile being positioned in said hull such that said resilient filaments are compressed therein. 
 
   
   
     2. A less-lethal shot gun round of  claim 1  wherein said projectile is integrally formed of non-metallic material. 
   
   
     3. A less-lethal shot gun round of  claim 1  wherein said filaments are defined by uniformly fine, floppy, elastic rod like elements which uniformly radiate from said core to form therewith a hedgehog-like spherical body. 
   
   
     4. A less-lethal shot gun round of  claim 1  wherein said hull carries a plurality of said projectiles.